Consider available time, resources before adopting a pet

As a shelter that serves the community by taking in strays and surrenders, this topic is especially important because we not only want to prevent animals from having to come to the shelter, but also make sure that animals being adopted stay in their forever homes.

One of the most common reasons pets are surrendered to the shelter is because the owners cannot afford to alter the pet and keep up with regular maintenance. The term “free pet” is never true, even if the pet is already altered and current on vaccinations. Pets still need regular vet exams and, in most communities, need an annual license.

If you are thinking about adopting a “free” pet, call your local veterinarian and find out how much it will cost to spay or neuter your new pet. If your landlord requires cats to be declawed, find out if you can afford to have this surgery done. Getting a free pet can cost hundreds of dollars. Shelter pets are already spayed or neutered, have their vaccinations and in some cases have been declawed by the previous owner.

The second most common reason pets are surrendered is because their owners move and can’t take the pet with them. No one can predict the future, but if you think you might be moving, check availability for housing that allows pets. If you know that you are moving and cannot take your pet with you, do not wait until the last minute to surrender the pet to the shelter. Always contact family and friends before coming to the shelter to surrender.

Another common issue that brings cats into shelters is urinating outside of the litter box. The Humane Society of Portage County takes in several surrenders a year and a vast majority of cat surrenders are due to litter box issues. It has been our experience that more often then not the pet is suffering from a urinary tract infection and is cleared up after a dose of antibiotics. These cats are adopted into homes after the infection is cleared up and go on to live long and happy lives.

Pets also need additional medical care such as flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. Preventing your pet from getting heartworm seems costly, but think about the cost you would incur if your pet got heartworms and you had to treat it.

Having a pet is a joy that every human should be able to partake in, but if you are unable to provide care to a pet, for their sake, please hold off until you are better prepared.

Make sure that you have the room, time and resources to give to a pet. If now isn’t the right time for you to adopt, perhaps you can get your “animal fix” by volunteering at an animal shelter or becoming a foster caregiver.

If you are ready to adopt and have been thinking about a cat, check out the Humane Society of Portage County during the month of February. Our senior cats (ages 6 years and older) have waived adoption fees.

Amanda Tucker is adoption coordinator for the Humane Society of Portage County.